Lewis to lead Ireland in Women's T20 WC; to skip preceding tri-series for injury recovery
Dublin, May 20
Gaby Lewis will captain Ireland in the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England, set to happen from June 12 to July 5. But Gaby will miss the preceding tri‑series against Pakistan and West Indies in Clontarf as she continues her recovery from a leg injury.
Cricket Ireland also said Orla Prendergast, ranked seventh among women's T20I all‑rounders, will lead the side in the tri‑series before resuming her role as vice‑captain at the T20 World Cup. Gaby finished as the top run-getter in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier by amassing 276 runs in seven matches and it will be the first time she will captain Ireland in the T20 World Cup.
Ireland, currently ninth in the ICC women' T20I rankings, have been drawn in Group 2 alongside England, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Scotland. Group 1 features Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, the Netherlands and Bangladesh. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi‑finals.
The 15‑member World Cup squad also includes Laura Delany, Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul and Rebecca Stokell.
Cricket Ireland also confirmed that Jane Maguire has been ruled out of both events due to an injury, while Aimee Maguire has returned to fitness and is included in both squads. Ireland will open the tri‑series against West Indies on May 28, followed by matches against Pakistan on May 31 and June 4, with an additional fixture against the Caribbean side scheduled for June 1.
At the World Cup, Ireland will begin their campaign against Scotland at Old Trafford on June 13, before facing hosts and 2009 winners England on June 16 and defending champions New Zealand on June 19. Their final group matches are against Sri Lanka on June 23 in Bristol and West Indies on June 27 at the same venue.
Ireland squad for Women's T20 WC: Gaby Lewis (c), Orla Prendergast (vc), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul and Rebecca Stokell
Ireland squad for women's tri-series: Orla Prendergast (c), Ava Canning, Christina Coulter Reilly, Alana Dalzell, Laura Delany, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul and Rebecca Stokell
— IANS
Reader Comments
Orla Prendergast at number 7 in ICC all-rounder rankings is impressive! Ireland may be 9th in rankings but they have some quality players. Our Indian team better watch out for them in the group stages - Scotland and Ireland could surprise a few teams this WC 🔥
Gaby Lewis scoring 276 runs in 7 matches during the qualifiers is simply outstanding! She's clearly Ireland's batting mainstay. Skipping the tri-series to be fully fit for the World Cup is a smart move - no point risking your best player before the big event.
Interesting to see Ireland in Group 2 with England, NZ, Sri Lanka, WI and Scotland. Honestly looks like a balanced group! But I think India's group (Group 1) is even tougher with Australia, SA and Pakistan. Ireland's chances of semis are slim but they have potential to cause upsets.
Great to see women's cricket getting more coverage! Ireland has been consistent in the associate circuit and this World Cup will be a good test for them. But honestly, I think they need better domestic structure to compete with top teams. Still, all the best to them! 🏏
Smart captaincy decision by Ireland's management. The tri-series is essentially preparation, and having Gaby Lewis fit for the World Cup matches is far more valuable. As an Indian fan, I'm excited to see how the tournament unfolds - the women's game has really grown globally!
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